Falcons owner sets ambitious title goal for Atlanta expansion team

Arthur BlankAtlanta’s sports empire is growing again with Tuesday’s announcement that the city awarded franchise to expand NVSL. The team will be 17th in the league and is scheduled to begin play in 2028 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The NVSL club will be owned and operated by Blank’s AMB Sport and entertainmentwho also owns the NFL Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United. Both teams play at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the women’s matches will be attended limited to about 28,000 when site modifications are complete.

“We are thrilled to bring a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here,” Blank said in a statement via ESPN News Services. “Our clear goal is to compete for championships starting in 2028 and serve as a source of pride for fans in Atlanta, Georgia and the league for decades to come. Our city and state have a deep passion for soccer, and I know our fans will embrace this club as they have Atlanta United.”

Blank’s investment includes the development of a new training facility and the hiring of dedicated team leadership. AMBSE has also started a search for the name and identity of the team.

NVSL Commissioner Jessica Berman called Atlanta “a city that embodies the energy, diversity and ambition that define NVSL’s next chapter” and praised Blank’s “commitment to building world-class organizations and community impact.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Arturo Blanco and his exceptional team, whose commitment … fits perfectly with our vision for the future of women’s soccer,” Berman said in a statement.

U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said the launch was “another incredible step forward.” for women’s football.

“With world-class facilities, passionate fans and a community that believes in the power of the game to unite and inspire, Atlanta will set a new standard for what’s possible in professional women’s soccer.”

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this article.